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Post by fr8kar on Oct 11, 2019 14:53:10 GMT -8
Anyone know how to chemically blacken brass, such as photoetched details? I remember seeing a how-to on the long defunct protomodeler.com website, but I can't find anything like it when I search now. If I remember correctly, the author used a vinegar and salt solution to blacken the metal parts. Is this ringing a bell with anyone? I have some chain tie-down parts I'd like to blacken before installation.
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Post by theengineshed on Oct 11, 2019 15:27:27 GMT -8
I'm still using a 4 oz bottle of A-West Blacken-it, which might last me the rest of my life... Blacken-it has not been available for years, but if you google it, you'll find lots of discussions on-line about replacements. Recipes as well as some gun store equivalents. I've used Blacken-it for HO scale chains, including etched turnbuckles. I also use it for HO scale etched screens, that way you don't increase the thickness of the screen material... I'm also interested in responses... The HO Scale caboose below has screened windows, that were treated with Blacken-It.  Seaboard International Steel Caboose 02 by Pete Piszczek, on Flickr |
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Post by theengineshed on Oct 11, 2019 15:38:49 GMT -8
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Post by theengineshed on Oct 11, 2019 15:59:28 GMT -8
The etched brass coupling hooks, three link couplings, tie down chains and etched turnbuckles on this Conflat were all treated with Blacken-It. After blackening, the hooks and three links were also heated with a torch and dipped in oil. The oil treatment provides a more durable finish.  Conflat A B706709 by Pete Piszczek, on Flickr |
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Post by fr8kar on Oct 11, 2019 18:36:11 GMT -8
Thanks much for the info. I found some MIG Photoetch Burnishing Fluid that sounds like a modern replacement for Blacken-It. Leave it to the armor modelers to come up with a solution (no pun intended).
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Post by theengineshed on Oct 12, 2019 6:20:54 GMT -8
Cool, I bet the MIG burnishing fluid is fit for purpose. I've been using MIG products for weathering on my past few projects. Their enamel odourless thinner is particularly good. It hasn't bothered the factory paint like some thinners can...
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Post by fr8kar on Oct 12, 2019 10:52:36 GMT -8
My LHS carries MIG products, but when I asked them about getting it they said they only get orders every couple months, so it will be some time before I can get some to try out. I went ahead and ordered from Amazon so I'll have it in a week or so. Based on the YouTube videos I've seen of people using this mystery blue liquid I should be happy.
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